also: のりがわるい
expression, i-adjective
difficult to get into; hard to get going
Used when something doesn't start smoothly or is hard to engage with, such as a machine, a conversation, or an activity.
このエンジンはノリが悪くて、なかなかかからない。
This engine is hard to get going and won't start easily.
今日はどうもノリが悪くて、仕事がはかどらない。
I just can't get into it today, and work isn't progressing.
expression, i-adjective
not easily influenced; not going along with the mood
Describes a person who doesn't readily join in the atmosphere or activity; often used when someone is being a wet blanket or not picking up on social cues.
Antonyms: ノリが良い (ノリがよい)
彼はノリが悪くて、みんなが盛り上がっているのに一人だけ冷静だ。
He doesn't go along with the mood; even when everyone's excited, he stays cool by himself.
ノリが悪いやつだなあ。せっかくのパーティーなのに。
What a party pooper. It's a great party and all.
Antonym: easy to get into, or easily influenced by the mood. Used for people or things that start smoothly or join in readily.
Phrase combining ノリ (from 乗り, 'riding, getting on', extended to mean 'mood, vibe, flow') with 悪い ('bad'). The katakana spelling ノリ emphasizes the colloquial, slangy nuance.